People often ask us, „What is the best chess book for beginners?“ and of course we never had a definitv answer. There will always be arguments about what is the best, and especially what is the best for beginners. Not every beginner is on the same level, some know how to move the pieces, some dont, some can deliver basic checkmates and the other can’t. But what we can provide, are some good beginner books, and these may be even the „best“. Here is our list of chess book recommendations for beginners:
1. Logical Chess: Move by move by Irving Chernev
This book has a nice collection of classical chess games, which were played from 1889 to 1952. The special thing about this book is that every move of each game is commented, so you can see the reason behind the move and the thought process of the past grandmasters. It covers all kind of games, the open games, semi-open games and closed ones. The book is simply a chess classic, and can also be suited for advanced players.
2. Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess
In the first chapter of this book Bobby Fischer teaches you how to move the pieces and play chess. It is intended for readers who do not know how to play Chess or those who need to review the rules. Then you will learn all the basic check-mate patterns and some tactical motifs. The games from the legend are referenced throughout the book as examples showing how to use the tactics in practice. There are also a few questions to answer and puzzles to solve, you will find the explanation always on the next page. All in all its a great book for starters. If you are rated above 1400 elo, the book may be too simple for you.
3. Silmans Complete Endgame Course: From Beginner to Master
This book from Jeremy Silman covers all endgame themes you will need on your way to mastery. For a club player this book will be sufficient for his lifetime. It suits players who are just starting with chess and even tournament players. The endgame is a very important stage of the game. Often one move can destroy everything that you built the whole game. Endgames are often underestimated by chess players, because they tend to be a little bit dry and hard to „swallow“, but if you learn all the basic endgames you can easily skyrocket your rating above 2000 elo. Working through this book can save you some important tournament points.
4. Play Winning Chess by Yasser Seirawan
This book is for absolute beginners who dont know how to play chess. Yasser even explains you some chess terminology like „advantage“, „analysis“, „blunder“, „zugzwang“, etc. The book is divided in seven chapters, from the evolution of chess to a final quiz, where you can test your fundamental chess skills. It is a great book to start with and we are recommending it highly. Even Yasser Seirawan says that with this book you will become a gladiator over the chess board.